Vic Gutman reflects on experiences with Omaha Farmers Market

Juli Oberlander • September 25, 2020

Food Day Lifetime Achievement winner Vic Gutman reflects on experiences with Omaha Farmers Market

Photo courtesy of Kristen Beck

One of Omaha's premier food and community advocates, Vic Gutman saw an opportunity to improve local food systems when he founded the Omaha Farmers Market in 1994.

"My goal 26 years ago when starting the Omaha Farmers Market was to help rebuild the local food economy by presenting an option for locally sourced food and goods to be purchased in the Old Market," Gutman says.

Since its founding, Omaha Farmers Market has expanded to a second location in Aksarben Village. Gutman says the markets help promote local producers and provide Omahans with a source of fresh, healthy foods.

"These two markets provide Nebraska and Western Iowa producers with a sales outlet for their products and bring life and energy to the neighborhoods and public places," Gutman says. "The markets have created an opportunity for people from all walks of life to purchase affordable, fresh, local food."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gutman says the Omaha Farmers Market has faced many challenges, which resulted in the decision to postpone the event for a month and relocate both locations to temporary rented venues.

While the pandemic has brought decreased sales and loss of revenue for the markets, Gutman says he is thankful for the team's effort in adapting to the COVID-19.

"We are incredibly thankful to have hard working staff, dedicated vendors and supportive customers," he says. "We are grateful for the opportunity to provide the community with a space to shop local and are remaining hopeful that we will be able to return to 'normal' in 2021."

To learn more about Omaha Farmers Market 2020, visit the website.

About Vic Gutman:

The founder of Vic Gutman & Associates in 1978, Vic Gutman has helped manage more than 100 events including Detroit 300, the Detroit Festival of the Arts, Omaha 15O! Omaha’s Birthday Celebration, and the Holiday Lights Festival. A native of Michigan, Gutman has a passion for planning community events and supporting the growth of local nonprofits. In addition to the Omaha Farmers Market, Gutman co-founded the Omaha Summer Arts Festival in 1975. In 2018, he won the Food Day Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Omaha food community.

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